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We've collected the most frequently asked questions from our IELTS test takers, covering every stage of your IELTS journey. Our IELTS experts have provided answers and shared their unique insights.

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iconLast updated on Sep 15, 2025

Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
For paper-based IELTS, eTRFs (electronic Test Report Forms) are not currently available, so you’ll receive a paper TRF instead. This is issued 13 days after your test, and we’ll notify you by email once it’s ready. If you’ve asked for your TRF to be posted, it will be sent by standard New Zealand Post. Delivery usually takes 3–5 working days, though occasional postal delays can happen. If you need your TRF sooner, you can collect it directly from the test centre on the day it is released or arrange for a courier service. Contact your chosen test centre to discuss courier options and how to set this up.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
I recommend selecting one of the IELTS Approved Preparation Providers in New Zealand. These schools are officially endorsed by IDP, meaning they use quality teaching methods, have qualified IELTS teachers, and offer practice materials specific to the test. Some excellent options are Worldwide School of English in Auckland, PM Training School in Manukau, and Bay Learning Academy in Mount Maunganui. You can see the full list of approved providers and find one near you here: IELTS Approved Preparation Providers – New Zealand

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
In New Zealand, most organisations accept IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR), including Immigration New Zealand and all universities. This means you can use an OSR result when applying for study, work, or visa purposes. My tip: always check directly with the organisation you are applying to, as each organisation sets its own English language requirements and acceptance policies.

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Sep 15, 2025
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Last answered by Lewis

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Lewis Crannitch
IELTS Expert
In New Zealand, the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is the organisation that allows you to combine results from more than one test (even across providers) as long as each skill meets the required band and all results are within the validity period. Teaching Council – English language competency FAQs Note this is different from IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR). Many organisations (for example, Immigration New Zealand) accept OSR, but that is not the same as combining separate TRFs. Always check the policy of the organisation you’re applying to.

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Sep 15, 2025
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iconLast updated on Aug 4, 2025

Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Listening skills can be improved using IELTS prepare materials available here I would suggest listening to podcasts and radio, watching movies, or listening to e-books. A great exercise is to prepare through doing past practice tests and completing a comprehension test on audio or e-books you have heard. Practice improves your technique and there are various podcasts by IDP on the IELTS prepare website or the IELTS by IDP App. You would also receive a Macquarie prep course allowing you to improve one skill for free when you register for an IELTS test with IDP.

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Aug 4, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jul 29, 2025

Last answered by Vincent

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Vincent Blokker
IELTS Expert
Some IELTS test Centres offer for your Speaking test to take place via video-call. In this case, your Speaking test examiner will not be in the same test room as you, but instead, you’ll speak with them via a video call in a private test room at your centre. You get a noise-cancelling headset and do your Speaking test on a high-definition video call with a human examiner. All aspects of the Speaking test will remain the same, including the question types, timing and marking. So, doing a video-call Speaking test is not easier or more difficult.

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Jul 29, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Access arrangements as they are called are only available for in centre tests within your country if available. Access arrangements are not available for IELTS online tests as it would require for special test arrangements for specific needs. You are able to review the types of access arrangements available with IELTS on the link below: Access arrangements

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Jul 29, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
IELTS test comprises of 4 modules i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking which are scored individually. Band scores can be similar or different across the 4 modules. You will also receive an overall band score which is the average of the 4 band scores that you receive for these modules. You will need to review with your Recognizing organization on the band scores required in each specific module or the overall band score required. You may check this here: IELTS Recognising organisations

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Jul 29, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
If you lose the internet connection during an IELTS Online test you are likely to receive extra time equivalent to the time lost. If you lose the internet connection and significant time is lost then you will have to retake the full test again. Please connect with ieltsonline@idp.com for further assistance.
Jul 29, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
You are able to apply for Enquiry on Result (EOR) / Remark once your results are released. You may opt for a One Skill Retake (OSR) once the EOR/remark is completed. Both of these options can't be fulfilled simultaneously. You may also request for an EOR/Remark of the OSR result. Information is available on our website and IELTS by IDP app for both EOR and OSR processes.

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Jul 29, 2025
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Last answered by Fahad

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Fahad Rafique
IELTS Expert
Yes. The IELTS Online test makes use of online proctoring as well as state of the art AI technology assist for proctoring the test remotely. The test is supervised as this option allows test takers to take the IELTS Online test in the comfort of their homes.
Jul 29, 2025
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iconLast updated on Jul 24, 2025

Last answered by Linda

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Linda Alley
IELTS Expert
Absolutely. Some people find short answer questions challenging because they require you to write or type your answer to a question, rather than choosing it from a list of options. Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself for these kinds of questions.   Before your read the text (or before the audio starts for IELTS Listening), read the instructions carefully and check how many words you can write in each blank (e.g. one word, two words, or a number). Identify keywords in the questions. This will help you focus on the most important information in the recording or the text and identify what type of information you are looking for.   After writing or typing your answer, don’t forget to check your spelling as the answer may be marked wrong if it is incorrect.

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Jul 24, 2025
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Fahad Rafique

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Canada

16 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello! I'm Fahad, and I've been a part of IELTS since April 2010. Having been born and raised in the UAE and then migrating to Canada, I can truly say that IELTS takes you places. I firmly believe that success belongs to those who actively seek it. I'm here to help answer any questions you may have about IELTS and guide you on how to take that crucial first step toward achieving your international dreams – whether it's study, migration or work. I look forward to supporting you!!

Last online Aug 2, 2025

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Jess Christie

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Australia

8 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi, I'm Jess and I’m an IELTS Expert who has worked in the world of IELTS for 7 years. I help test takers do the best they can in the IELTS test by providing them with helpful tips to ensure they have a smooth test day. I am originally from regional Victoria in Australia, but I was an international student when I went to Ireland for University. I came back and decided to work in the world of international education, which led me to IELTS.

Last online Jun 25, 2025

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Lewis Crannitch

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New Zealand

2 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Lewis. I’ve worked with IELTS in New Zealand since 2017 and taught English in Japan, China, and NZ. Having also learned a language myself in China, I understand the challenges test takers face. I track English proficiency requirements in NZ and deliver IELTS Masterclasses and familiarisation sessions to support preparation, share resources, and make test day easier. I look forward to connecting with you on your IELTS journey.

Last online Sep 15, 2025

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Linda Alley

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Australia

11 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Linda. I’m here to help you reach your IELTS goals by answering any questions you might have about the test and how to prepare. You may have seen me on our video podcast, IELTS Prepare by IDP. I also create learning materials and blog posts for IELTS test takers. Over the past 10 years, I’ve taught English as a Second Language to students from all over the world, so please get in touch if you have any questions on how to improve your language skills.

Last online Sep 16, 2025

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Reza Tasviri

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Australia

18 years

Experience

role

IELTS Expert

Hi, I’m Reza. I’m here to help you with advice on how to effectively use your knowledge of English to get the best outcome in your IELTS test. I can answer questions on what the test asks you to do, how it assesses your performance, and how you can show you have what it takes. I’ve been involved with IELTS for 17 years now. I’ve been an English Language teacher for 27 years and a lifelong learner (English is not my first language. I started when I was 17 and haven’t stopped since).

Last online Jul 9, 2025

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Rocco Nigro

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Australia

26 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hello, my name is Rocco and I am one of the IELTS Experts here at IDP. Since 1995, I've been involved in English language teaching, teacher training, assessment and academic management, which has helped me develop a wealth of knowledge about the IELTS test. I enjoy meeting students and test takers from all over the world. If you have any questions about how to do your best in the IELTS Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking tests, I can give you some good approaches to help you on test day.

Last online Jun 18, 2025

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Vincent Blokker

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Australia

11 years

Experience

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IELTS Expert

Hi! I’m Vincent, and I'm here to help you succeed in your IELTS journey. I live in the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, but I work with students from all over the world. I can help with advice and resources and answer your questions about IELTS. I also write blogs with tips for the test and have created study materials for IELTS. I’m an expert on any questions about the organisations, universities, and governments that accept IELTS for work, study, or your visa. Feel free to contact me!

Last online Jul 1, 2025

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